Putin faces an election opponent. An announcement from jail

According to official polls, a hefty 78% of Russians place their trust in Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, this overwhelming support hasn't deterred his critic, Igor "Strelkov" Girkin, from announcing his candidacy for the upcoming year's election. Strikingly, Girkin declared his intentions from behind bars; he has been charged with incitement of extremist activity.

The former FSB officer, Igor "Strelkov" Girkin, is rallying his peers to kick-start his campaign for the Russian presidency. From inside an investigative prison, he conveyed his intent in a letter. The details of the letter were read aloud by the co-chair of the "Russian Movement for Strelkov", Oleg Nelzin, as reported by the independent Russian news portal, Meduza.

Girkin has consistently been a critical voice against Putin's regime. He has stringently critiqued Russia's performance in the Ukraine War, even calling for Putin's resignation. He was arrested on July 21st on charges of stirring extremist activity through his social media posts. The Kommersant news portal notes that he is presently held in an investigative prison in Lefortovo, Moscow.

In his letter, Girkin urges "all Russian patriotic forces, as well as public and political organizations" to support him. As reported by Meduza, he wrote: "This is our opportunity to unify in the face of external and internal threats."

As per Russian law, "being charged with criminal activity does not disqualify one from running for president," highlights the portal. However, should Girkin be found guilty, he would be ineligible to serve as Russia's president.

The Russian presidential elections will unfold in March 2024. Speculation is rife that Putin will declare his candidacy for another term this year.

A recent Friday poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center reveals that 78% of those surveyed expressed trust in Putin, with 75% voicing support for his actions. By contrast, Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, managed to secure the trust of a mere 32.6% of respondents.

Igor Girkin is a convicted terrorist, infamously known for his role in the armed conflict in Donbas in 2015. Found guilty by a Dutch court in November 2022 - in absentia - he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was convicted for his involvement in the tragic Malaysian Boeing crash in Donetsk region on July 17, 2014, which was shot down by the Russians, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 298 lives.